Britain rolling out coin marking Year of the Dog

The United Kingdom's Royal Mint has launched its latest commemorative coins celebrating the lunar Chinese New Year.

Zimbabwe's Mugabe makes his first appearance since government crisis

HARARE - Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, reportedly under house arrest, made his first public appearance on Thursday, a day after the military appeared to have taken control of the government.

Chinese director goes global

A Chinese student has won an international award for her film about a US missionary who set up a refugee camp at Ginling Women's College during the Nanjing Massacre in 1937.

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Da Vinci painting sells for $450m

NEW YORK - A painting of Christ by the Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci purchased by an unidentified buyer bidding via telephone for a record $450.3 million at auction on Wednesday, smashing previous records for artworks sold at auction or privately.

Peace urged for Zimbabwe amid crisis

HARARE, Zimbabwe - Calm and peace have been urged for the country where the military announced on Wednesday that it has taken control of all government institutions.

S. Korea postpones college exam after quake

SEOUL - Authorities took the unprecedented step of postponing nationwide college entrance exams after a rare magnitude 5.4 earthquake hit the southeast on Wednesday, sparking alarm in the country that seldom experiences significant tremors.

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Turkey closer to its own space agency

ANKARA - As a regional player, Turkey has set its sights on space. An ambitious program will constitute the backbone of a special agency which should be launched next year to determine policies and strategies in space and aviation technologies.

Social media suicide in Japan spotlight after 'Twitter killer'

TOKYO - The grisly beheading of nine people lured by a suspected serial killer after tweeting suicidal thoughts has sparked debate about the use of social media in Japan, which has one of the world's highest suicide rates.

Trump's visit 'boosted business'

The Chinese consul general in Houston, Li Qiangmin, has seen many economic benefits resulting from US President Donald Trump's trip to China last week.

Giant diamond sells for $34m

GENEVA - The largest D-flawless diamond to be put up for auction, mounted in a diamond and emerald necklace, sold for $33.7 million on Tuesday, including buyer's fees.